The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes

By: Benjamin Schumacher, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Benjamin Schumacher

The science of information is the most influential, yet perhaps least appreciated field in science today. Never before in history have we been able to acquire, record, communicate, and use information in so many different forms. This revolution goes far beyond the limitless content that fills our lives, because information also underlies our understanding of ourselves, the natural world, and the universe. Little wonder that an entirely new science has arisen that is devoted to deepening our understanding of information and our ability to use it.

The study and acquisition of information has been around a long time. In human terms, spoken language, writing, art, music, and mathematics are perfect examples; so are Morse code, Mendelian genetics, and radio signals - all understood and used before 1900. But a series of conceptual breakthroughs in the 20th century united what seemed like unrelated phenomena and led to a dramatic new way of looking at reality. Called information theory, this field has been responsible for path-breaking insights.

The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes covers the exciting concepts, history, and applications of information theory in 24 challenging and eye-opening half-hour lectures taught by Professor Benjamin Schumacher of Kenyon College. A prominent physicist and award-winning educator at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, Professor Schumacher is also a pioneer in the field of quantum information, which is the latest exciting development in this dynamic scientific field.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

I see information, I see it everywhere.

This course went in so many more directions than I expected. Connecting language to quantum mechanics is wild.

very deep !

a totally diferent view regarding information science. worth reading, a little too technical, but still bearable

Well worth the listen

Fascinating content, engaging delivery, and straightforward to understand if a bit heavy on mathematics. Definitely recommended for anyone who’s ever wondered about meaning and how it’s communicated.

awesome course!

this was an awesome course! it is clear though that it was a lecture that he was presenting on the board. most of the time I could follow listening but there were points where it was nearly impossible just listening.

Fascinating!

Incredible how some very complex concepts were effectively communicated via audio. A true testament of information mastery.

Outstanding

Loved it, after 3x, finally understood what he was talking about.

I think the fundamental premise is correct, physics are information. We are bits, 0 and 1

fantastic tour of information theory.

the fantastic tour the field by an exceptional teacher, and a giant of information theory in physics. if that appeals to you it's highly recommended. I'm off to listen to his other lectures right now.

just finished my third pass and love it

i love the various information about information. there is no story per say so 4

Would recommend to rando

Excellent overview of information theory. Absolutely worldview revising. Precise, and concise performance. Refreshingly meaningful delivery.

Incredible Breadth

Fantastic lectures. Helpful to have some information theory under your belt. A couple of the algebraic derivations are hard to follow while driving, but the last few lectures are mind-bending.